About the College

The Royal Agricultural College, often referred to as 'the Oxbridge of the Countryside', was the first agricultural college in the English speaking world.  Established in 1842, the College has been at the forefront of education since it was granted a Royal Charter in 1845. It has a world-class reputation, both in the UK and overseas for developing the managerial skills needed to run successful businesses in the rural sector.  The College has three schools that teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Agriculture, Business and Rural Economy and Land Management.

About the Area

Set in the picturesque Cotswolds in the heart of England, but less than one and a half-hours from London, the College has a thriving student community with graduates from all over the world recognising the value of gaining a specialist qualification.  With only 820 students, the College is a very safe and friendly campus with a real community feel.

The College is located in the lively market town of Cirencester, which is often referred to as "The Capital of the Cotswolds" and its origins date back to the Roman period when it was one of the regional capitals of Roman Britain. The Church of St. John the Baptist and the Roman amphitheatre are just some of the many sites that make the town unique.  Today the town offers many, shops, markets, restaurants, pubs, and a newly rebuilt leisure centre that houses a swimming pool, sauna, large sports hall, gym and fitness centre.

Undergraduate Study

The undergraduate degree programme at the Royal Agricultural College is designed to offer considerable flexibility to students. All BSc Honours programmes are completed in three years and comprise 24 modules, eight in each academic year.

Students will all complete modules relating to basic business principles. Students on agricultural, equine, business and land use programmes also cover modules on agricultural and food systems, and environmental science and policy.

More programme-specific modules then make up the balance, delivered mainly to all students within a particular school – Agriculture, Business or Real Estate and Land Management.  Assessment is by means of a combination of examinations and coursework (some modules are assessed entirely by coursework), including some group projects.

Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate study at the Royal Agricultural College is managed by experienced staff, all of whom are leaders in their fields and many of whom are involved in consultancy, research and training activities, both in the UK and overseas. Members of staff have produced more than 500 publications in the last decade, including text books, referred papers in learned journals and reports to a variety of organisations, including governments. This expertise is integral in designing, teaching and supervising both the research degrees and taught postgraduate programmes.

Entry Requirements

The College will accept International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0 average with no element below 5.0, or other equivalent recognised English language qualification.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

The College provides funding to eligible students through scholarships and bursaries.  More information can be found in the scholarships, bursaries and awards section, or by contacting gail.young@rac.ac.uk.

Student Life

All international students have the opportunity to live on campus (subject to availability) and enjoy a wide range of facilities within the beautiful College grounds, including a licensed bar, a shop, a launderette, rooms for discussion, music and entertainment, as well as the library and computer suites for study. Bedrooms vary from a standard (with shared toilet and shower facilities) to en-suite rooms, and from self catering to all meals provided in the College dining room.

International Society

Overseas students will be invited to join the International Society, an inclusive society for all RAC students. The motto of the International Society is: “Be proud of who you are, but respect others”.

The Society aims to provide a forum to understand the different cultures of students and staff at the College through guest speakers, who are often invited to lead discussions, and a varied social calendar.  Activities includes parties in the Tithe Barn, celebration of the Chinese New Year, film nights and visits to some of the fascinating local cities and places of interest.

Part-time Jobs

Students at the Royal Agricultural College are allowed to work for a part-time job up to 20 hours a week in addition to their studies.  International students are advised to check the restrictions on their visa regarding work whilst studying.  There are many shops and businesses in close proximity to the College that offer employment opportunities for students.  In addition, the College offers many vacancies throughout the year to students. 

Employment Prospects

Just six months after leaving the College in 2008, 73% of recent graduates were already in employment, whilst a further 23% either continued their education or took the opportunity to travel. These impressive rates of employability continue for the College’s Master graduates, of whom 91% were employed, whilst 4% were travelling.  These excellent rates of employability can be attributed in part to the strong industry links maintained by the College. Study programmes benefit from lectures delivered by leading professionals which ensures that students receive up-to-date knowledge to give them a head start when seeking employment.